“How can I give you up, Israel?
How can I abandon you?
My heart will not let me do it!
My love for you is too strong.
- Hosea 11:8 (GNT)
Using grim figure of speech, the prophet Hosea described the utter destruction that will befall on the nation of Israel. He writes, "So I will attack you like a lion. Like a leopard I will lie in wait along your path. I will attack you like a bear that has lost her cubs, and I will tear you open. Like a lion I will devour you on the spot, and will tear you to pieces like a wild animal." (Hosea 13:7-8 GNT). "Samaria must be punished for rebelling against me. Her people will die in war; babies will be dashed to the ground, and pregnant women will be ripped open.” (Hosea 13:16)
History tells us that the Assyrian army in 722 BC attacked the northern kingdom of Israel. The Assyrians were a military power extending its rule by conquering nation after nation in the ancient middle east. Its army is known for its ruthlessness in war. After reading such statements from God, one would ask, "how can a loving God allow Assyria to cause such savage acts to his people, the Israelites?" And yet after the destruction of Samaria and the exile of its people to other lands, God assures them that he will never abandon them completely. The fact that Israel is alive today, in our present time, is a testament to his undying love and forgiveness for his people.
Any person who acknowledges Jesus as His saviour and master are given the opportunity to become children of God and this reality about God's love comforts us in that while we may become unfaithful to him, God will always remain faithful to us.
The Lord says, “I will bring my people back to me. I will love them with all my heart; no longer am I angry with them. (Hosea 14:4 GNT)
